Senja by Heart: Unforgettable nature, food and travel experiences in magical Senja

Hidden away in the innermost part of Torskenfjorden on the western side of the fairytale island Senja, you will find the tiny island community of Torsken. Among the unspoiled nature of this beautiful part of Northern Norway, a multitude of adventures in food, history, culture and unique travel experiences await.

Senja by Heart is a family business owned by brothers Fredd-Jarle and Vidkun Wilsgård. For generations, the family has had an unwavering commitment to contributing to the development of the local area. “This is a vibrant community that’s always seen plenty of activity within fishing, and it’s exciting that it’s now receiving more attention as a travel destination,” says Fredd-Jarle Wilsgård.

Torsken is an idyllic fishing village with a fascinating cultural heritage, and preserving the traditional coastal culture is a significant focus for the team behind Senja by Heart. The oldest part of Torsken Brygge Hotel and its charming pub dates to the 1930s. “Preserving the older buildings in Torsken is important to us. We wanted to ensure a modern standard for our guests while honouring the history of the community,” Wilsgård explains.

Chef Davide Luciani. Photo: Senja by Heart

Senja by Heart offers several accommodations at Torskensenteret, Senja Fjordcamp and Torsken Brygge. Featuring high-quality furnishings and comfortable bedding, guests are assured a good night’s sleep. “There’s truly something for everybody, from simple rooms with a shared kitchen and living area well-suited to groups to modern cabins with a traditional design and a comfortable penthouse apartment,” says Wilsgård. “We want to be able to receive groups of all sizes – our long-term plan is to have up to 100 beds available.” A new luxury lodge of high standard featuring multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms will be opening in 2025.

Photo: Senja by Heart

Passion and unforgettable experiences

Often referred to as Norway in miniature, Senja is one of the country’s most celebrated tourist spots. “Lofoten has been an incredibly popular destination for a long time, but a lot of people are now discovering the many unique experiences Senja has to offer,” says Jørgen Wang, sales manager at Senja by Heart. “Nature here is diverse and fascinating – mountains, fjords and the unique coastal landscape offer so many unforgettable experiences.”

The area is known for its spectacular mountain hikes, stunning cycling routes, fishing opportunities, skiing, kayaking and much more, all of which can be arranged through Senja by Heart. The team advises those in search of truly unforgettable adventures to take part in an RIB fjord tour or a whale and wildlife safari – especially during the times of year when you can experience such wonders as polar nights, northern lights and the midnight sun.

“As with anything in life, if there’s passion behind your work, it shines through,” Wilsgård says. “We’re so happy to get such a fantastic response from visitors on our accommodations, restaurant and pub as well as the wide range of experiences and activities we facilitate. We want to make sure this community continues to develop and are committed to showing visitors the best of what Senja has to offer.”

Photo: Hugo Løhre

Authentic cuisine inspired by the North

Senja by Heart’s dedicated restaurant is one of the most celebrated eateries in the area. Originally hailing from Italy, Chef Davide Luciani’s illustrious background includes working in Michelin-starred restaurants in culinary hotspots such as London, Paris and Sydney. At Senja by Heart, the food is all made in-house. “Our food is authentic – a true reflection of the care, craftsmanship, and passion we put into every element,” Luciani says.

With a focus on fresh, sustainable seafood, locally foraged herbs and seasonal produce, Senja by Heart’s culinary offerings pay homage to the rich food traditions and proud cultural heritage of the area. “Our dishes are inspired by the rugged landscapes and the connection to nature that is so deeply rooted in Senja’s culture,” Luciani says. “Through methods like smoking, curing, and fermenting, we honour the culinary practices passed down through generations, bringing a true taste of Senja to every plate.”

Photo: Senja by Heart

The restaurant team believes using the best of local ingredients is key to creating first-rate dishes. “When you work with what’s fresh and in season, you’re not only ensuring the best possible flavours but also telling a story of the land and the people who cultivate it. Local ingredients connect the food to its environment, making each dish truly distinctive and reflective of the area’s natural bounty,” Luciani explains. “This approach also supports sustainability and the local community, which adds an extra layer of meaning to the dining experience.”

Photo: Senja by Heart

Having achieved a Green Key certification, Senja by Heart is actively working to ensure environmentally friendly practices across the organisation. “Sustainability is important to us,” Wilsgård says. “We’re conscious of maintaining a long-term perspective and doing our part to ensure the tourism in the area is sustainable in terms of the environment and from a social perspective. Our activity should be beneficial for the community as a whole.”

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